Czech news in brief for March 14: Friday's top headlines

Strengthening Czech defenses is essential despite economic sacrifices, a public appeal signed by political, diplomatic, and cultural figures stated Thursday. The signatories backed PM Petr Fiala’s security efforts and warned of Russia’s growing influence. They criticized Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine, urging Europe to take charge of its security. The Czech government plans to raise defence spending to 3 percent of GDP by 2030.

Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil and others paid tribute Thursday to Czechoslovak hockey players arrested in 1950 for alleged treason. A memorial plaque marks their arrest at a Prague pub. The players, denied a trip to the World Championship, were convicted in a fabricated trial and sent to uranium mines. They were pardoned in 1955 and rehabilitated in 1968, but some never recovered.

Czech parliamentary leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S. alliance and called for a stronger European pillar of NATO at a security meeting convened by Prime Minister Petr Fiala. They backed increasing defense spending to 3 percent of GDP by 2030. Opposition parties ANO and SPD boycotted the meeting, drawing criticism. Fiala's government plans gradual defense budget increases despite opposition concerns over spending.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, during a visit to Iceland, expressed caution regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent statements on a ceasefire in Ukraine. Lipavsky noted that Putin has not backed down from any of his demands, including NATO halting weapon deployments in Eastern Europe. He emphasized that any ceasefire must include security guarantees for Ukraine, which is vital for Czech security, given the ongoing Russian invasion.

The Czech pavilion for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, is built and awaiting approval, General Commissioner Ondrej Soska said Friday. Designed by Apropos Architects, the 17-meter-high wooden structure features a spiral design and rooftop terrace. Interior work, including a Pilsen restaurant, is ongoing. The pavilion will host business and cultural programs until Oct. 13, with Czech National Day set for July 24.

Banks and building societies issued CZK 25.5 billion in mortgages in February, a 13 percent increase from January, according to the Czech Banking Association. New loans rose to CZK 21.1 billion, while interest rates dipped from 4.78 percent to 4.72 percent. Year-on-year mortgage growth slowed but remained strong at 62 percent. Experts expect mortgage rates to keep falling, though market trends may slow the decline.

After a stretch of cold and rainy days, sunny and calmer weather is expected next week as a high-pressure system moves in, meteorologists said Thursday. Until then, rain and snowfall will persist, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 12°C. The weekend will bring a break from precipitation, and forecasters predict rare rainfall and clearer skies in the coming days.